RECYCLING PROGRAM

The New Life Center (Ray Raines New Life Center), at the corner of Memorial Drive (12th Street) and Liberty Street, is a bustling center of recycling and donation activity. It began as an expression of our care for the earth and, specifically, our neighborhood, but it also creates a safe place for Mission residents to learn and use life job skills. It is a place where everyone and everything receives a second chance.

Mission residents assist drivers in the drop-off area by greeting and emptying their vehicles of donated items. These items are then placed in the warehouse where Mission residents, along with paid staff and volunteers, sort clothing, bundle cardboard, clean furniture, repair electronics and much more. Certain items are set aside for the purpose of clothing Mission residents and another portion is set aside for families that have been serviced by our Family Services department. Both of these Mission services are provided at no cost.

The largest majority of the donated items eventually end up in the Attic Window Thrift stores. Currently there are (5) Attic Window stores. Recyclable items (see list below) are sold by weight to outside vendors. Income from the Attic Window and recyclable sales help fuel the Men’s, Women’s and Family Services, Community Lunch, and more.

TRIVIA:

Last year, the New Life Center recycled 1,554,357 pounds of paper, cardboard, metal, and other recyclables.